Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2005 BMW R1200 GS with NHTSA between 2006 and 2018.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 93
Against the median year of the BMW R1200 GS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 45
8.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 97
57% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
614.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1228.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1126.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
921.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
37.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2006peak 4Oct 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 BMW R1200 GS
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA13006Opened 12 Jul 2013Closed 31 Jan 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the s...
PE12036Opened 16 Nov 2012Closed 22 Jul 2013FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Owners of model year (MY) 2005-2008 R-Series motorcycles report substantial, high pressure fuel loss occurring when the fuel pump is energized.Many times they first become aware of the problem when fuel soaks their pant legs or is puddled under their parked motorcycle.The Office of Defects investigation (ODI) has obtained an owner video illustrating the issue.This video, and other material, may be found in the public file at www.SaferCar.gov. ODI has learned that the subject fuel leak is due to cracks in the fuel outlet quick connector located on the in-tank fuel pump housing.While some owners...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 51,010 milesHazel Green, ALCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I EXPERIENCED A 100% NO BRAKES SITUATION COMING INTO A SLOW SPEED 90 DEGREE TURN ON A BACK ROAD. LUCKILY I HADN'T BEEN GOING TO FAST AND WAS ABLE TO DOWN SHIFT AND SCRUB A LITTLE SPEED BUT FORCED WITH ONLY ENGINE BRAKING AND A VERY OLD ASPHALT ROAD COVERED IN GRAVEL I HAD TO LAY IT DOWN TO STOP FROM GOING INTO A 60FT+ RAVINE. I'VE PUT 250-300K OF STREET RIDING UNDER MY BUTT AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE LAID A BIKE DOWN. I DID HURT MY LEFT LEG AND I HAVE A HUGE BRUISE THERE NOW AND MY CRASH BARS PREVENTED ANY MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE BIKE BUT IT DID STILL CAUSE ABOUT $500 IN DAMAGES. I'M WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT THE 05-06 SERVO BIKES HAVE HAD WITH BRAKE FAILURE BUT I'VE ALWAYS READ THAT THE RESIDUAL BRAKES ARE STILL THERE IF THE SERVOS FAIL. I CAN ATTEST I HAD ZERO BRAKES! LEVER WENT TO THE BARS AND REAR JUST FELL DOWN AND HAD NOTHING. I'VE ACTUALLY PRACTICE A COUPLE PANIC STOPS WITH THE IGNITION OFF TO EXPERIENCE WHAT JUST THE RESIDUAL BRAKE FEEL LIKE AND I WAS ABLE STOP FAIRLY NORMAL WITH JUST SOME INCREASE EFFORT. THIS WAS NOT THAT! AFTER THE CRASH I TURNED OFF THE BIKE AND ANOTHER RIDER HELPED ME PICK IT UP. UPON TURNING IT BACK ON I STILL HAD ZERO BRAKES THE LEVER JUST WENT TO THE BARS AND REAR HAD NOTHING. WHEN I TURNED THE BIKE BACK ON I HAD THE ABS AND BRAKE FAILURE LIGHTS FLASHING AND THE SERVO NEVER KICKED ON TO DO ITS BIT CYCLE. SO ME AND THE OTHER GUY SAT THERE TALKING ABOUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND ABOUT 2 MINUTES OR SO WENT BY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SERVOS KICKED ON AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF AND MY BRAKES WHERE BACK TO NORMAL!!! I TURNED THE BIKE OFF AND NOW I HAD RESIDUAL BRAKES AGAIN! THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE VERY WELL KILLED ME IF IT HAPPENED IN MULTIPLE AREAS EARLIER IN THE RIDE. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #10717109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,005 milesClifton, VACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, I HAVE RIDDEN OVER 100,000 MILES ON SIX DIFFERENT BMW MOTORCYCLES, ALL PURCHASED NEW. I RIDE YEAR-ROUND AND HAVE ALWAYS USED AN ELECTRIC VEST TO AVOID HYPOTHERMIA. IN SEPTEMBER, 2005 I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. DURING A CROSS-COUNTRY RIDE IN MAY, 2006, MY NON-BMW BRAND ELECTRIC VEST FAILED TO FUNCTION DURING RAIN AND COLD TEMPERATURES ENCOUNTERED IN SOUTH DAKOTA. THE NEXT DAY, I EXPERIENCED UNUSUAL FATIGUE, WENT OFF THE ROAD IN KANSAS, TOTALED THE BIKE AND BROKE MY LEG. I SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND OUT BY READING A MOTORCYCLE PUBLICATION THAT BMW DELIBERATELY ENGINEERED THE STANDARD 12 VOLT OUTLET ON THE FAIRING TO SHUT DOWN WHEN USING A NON-BMW ELECTRIC VEST. I BELIEVE BMW HAS AN OBLIGATION TO WARN OWNERS ABOUT THIS UNEXPECTED LACK OF PERFORMANCE WHICH IN MY MIND WAS A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO MY PROPERTY LOSS AND PERSONAL INJURY. ON MY REPLACEMENT BIKE, I WILL GO TO THE EXPENSE OF INSTALLING A 12 VOLT FAIRING OUTLET DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #10160356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 24,000 milesGarreau, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, FUEL HAD LEAKED FROM THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE AND SPRAYED ONTO THE RIDERS LEG AND PARTS OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V617000 (FUEL SYSTEM) ALTHOUGH THE MOTORCYCLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #11144510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesWhitestone, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS PUMP FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11001223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,010 milesHazel Green, ALCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I EXPERIENCED A 100% NO BRAKES SITUATION COMING INTO A SLOW SPEED 90 DEGREE TURN ON A BACK ROAD. LUCKILY I HADN'T BEEN GOING TO FAST AND WAS ABLE TO DOWN SHIFT AND SCRUB A LITTLE SPEED BUT FORCED WITH ONLY ENGINE BRAKING AND A VERY OLD ASPHALT ROAD COVERED IN GRAVEL I HAD TO LAY IT DOWN TO STOP FROM GOING INTO A 60FT+ RAVINE. I'VE PUT 250-300K OF STREET RIDING UNDER MY BUTT AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE LAID A BIKE DOWN. I DID HURT MY LEFT LEG AND I HAVE A HUGE BRUISE THERE NOW AND MY CRASH BARS PREVENTED ANY MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE BIKE BUT IT DID STILL CAUSE ABOUT $500 IN DAMAGES. I'M WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT THE 05-06 SERVO BIKES HAVE HAD WITH BRAKE FAILURE BUT I'VE ALWAYS READ THAT THE RESIDUAL BRAKES ARE STILL THERE IF THE SERVOS FAIL. I CAN ATTEST I HAD ZERO BRAKES! LEVER WENT TO THE BARS AND REAR JUST FELL DOWN AND HAD NOTHING. I'VE ACTUALLY PRACTICE A COUPLE PANIC STOPS WITH THE IGNITION OFF TO EXPERIENCE WHAT JUST THE RESIDUAL BRAKE FEEL LIKE AND I WAS ABLE STOP FAIRLY NORMAL WITH JUST SOME INCREASE EFFORT. THIS WAS NOT THAT! AFTER THE CRASH I TURNED OFF THE BIKE AND ANOTHER RIDER HELPED ME PICK IT UP. UPON TURNING IT BACK ON I STILL HAD ZERO BRAKES THE LEVER JUST WENT TO THE BARS AND REAR HAD NOTHING. WHEN I TURNED THE BIKE BACK ON I HAD THE ABS AND BRAKE FAILURE LIGHTS FLASHING AND THE SERVO NEVER KICKED ON TO DO ITS BIT CYCLE. SO ME AND THE OTHER GUY SAT THERE TALKING ABOUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND ABOUT 2 MINUTES OR SO WENT BY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SERVOS KICKED ON AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF AND MY BRAKES WHERE BACK TO NORMAL!!! I TURNED THE BIKE OFF AND NOW I HAD RESIDUAL BRAKES AGAIN! THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE VERY WELL KILLED ME IF IT HAPPENED IN MULTIPLE AREAS EARLIER IN THE RIDE. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #10717109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
POWER TRAIN
UPON REPLACING REAR TIRE AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP, NOTICED A CRACKED REAR WHEEL FLANGE. THESE CRACKS APPEARED ON 4 OF 5 ATTACHMENT POINTS WHERE THE FLANGE BOLTS ONTO THE REAR DRIVE. THIS IS A PART THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE. SPOKE TO BMW NA AND THEY DO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AS INHERENT DEFECT, AND HAVE NOT RECALLED DESPITE HAVING REDESIGNED THE REPLACEMENT PART SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS (IMPLIED ADMISSION BY BMW OF THE INHERENT DEFECT DUE TO REDESIGN). THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO AN INHERENT DEFECT OF SAFETY CRITICAL PART - THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE. FAILURE OF THIS PART WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED MAY CAUSE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION, LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, SUDDEN SEIZURE OF REAR WHEEL, AND/OR POSSIBLE LOSS OF REAR WHEEL. THIS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY AND EVEN DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10643951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
UPON REPLACING REAR TIRE AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP, NOTICED A CRACKED REAR WHEEL FLANGE. THESE CRACKS APPEARED ON 4 OF 5 ATTACHMENT POINTS WHERE THE FLANGE BOLTS ONTO THE REAR DRIVE. THIS IS A PART THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE. SPOKE TO BMW NA AND THEY DO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AS INHERENT DEFECT, AND HAVE NOT RECALLED DESPITE HAVING REDESIGNED THE REPLACEMENT PART SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS (IMPLIED ADMISSION BY BMW OF THE INHERENT DEFECT DUE TO REDESIGN). THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO AN INHERENT DEFECT OF SAFETY CRITICAL PART - THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE. FAILURE OF THIS PART WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED MAY CAUSE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION, LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, SUDDEN SEIZURE OF REAR WHEEL, AND/OR POSSIBLE LOSS OF REAR WHEEL. THIS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY AND EVEN DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10643951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
UPON REPLACING REAR TIRE AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP, NOTICED A CRACKED REAR WHEEL FLANGE. THESE CRACKS APPEARED ON 4 OF 5 ATTACHMENT POINTS WHERE THE FLANGE BOLTS ONTO THE REAR DRIVE. THIS IS A PART THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE. SPOKE TO BMW NA AND THEY DO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM AS INHERENT DEFECT, AND HAVE NOT RECALLED DESPITE HAVING REDESIGNED THE REPLACEMENT PART SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS (IMPLIED ADMISSION BY BMW OF THE INHERENT DEFECT DUE TO REDESIGN). THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO AN INHERENT DEFECT OF SAFETY CRITICAL PART - THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE. FAILURE OF THIS PART WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED MAY CAUSE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION, LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, SUDDEN SEIZURE OF REAR WHEEL, AND/OR POSSIBLE LOSS OF REAR WHEEL. THIS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY AND EVEN DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10643951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesWake Forest, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 BMW R1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE MOTORCYCLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FRACTURED WHEEL FLANGE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10608526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,390 milesLexington, MA
POWER TRAIN
I WAS REPLACING MY REAR BRAKE ROTOR. THE ROTOR IS BOLTED TO A PIECE CALLED A FLANGE (PART NUMBER 33117722831) USING 5 BOLTS. I FOUND THAT EACH OF THE 5 BOLT HOLES IN THE FLANGE ARE CRACKED. IF THIS PART WERE TO COME APART WHILE RIDING I THINK IT WOULD CAUSE THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND SKID OR POSSIBLY WORSE. THE FLANGE (PART NUMBER 33117722831) IS ALSO PART OF THE POWER TRAIN AND REAR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM (ALSO KNOWN AS THE FINAL DRIVE SYSTEM) FOR THE BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE. THE BMW MUST KNOW THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE PART. SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR "BMW R1200GS FLANGE CRACK" RETURNS MANY PAGES OF INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. HERE IS A GOOD SUMMARY: HTTP://WWW.MTS1200.INFO/MOTORCYCLEINFO/INDEXE65D.HTML?FA=CONTENTGENERIC.NKYQIUKEVRYEUZUT&PAGEID=360814.
NHTSA complaint #10596090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,390 milesLexington, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS REPLACING MY REAR BRAKE ROTOR. THE ROTOR IS BOLTED TO A PIECE CALLED A FLANGE (PART NUMBER 33117722831) USING 5 BOLTS. I FOUND THAT EACH OF THE 5 BOLT HOLES IN THE FLANGE ARE CRACKED. IF THIS PART WERE TO COME APART WHILE RIDING I THINK IT WOULD CAUSE THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND SKID OR POSSIBLY WORSE. THE FLANGE (PART NUMBER 33117722831) IS ALSO PART OF THE POWER TRAIN AND REAR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM (ALSO KNOWN AS THE FINAL DRIVE SYSTEM) FOR THE BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE. THE BMW MUST KNOW THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE PART. SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR "BMW R1200GS FLANGE CRACK" RETURNS MANY PAGES OF INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. HERE IS A GOOD SUMMARY: HTTP://WWW.MTS1200.INFO/MOTORCYCLEINFO/INDEXE65D.HTML?FA=CONTENTGENERIC.NKYQIUKEVRYEUZUT&PAGEID=360814.
NHTSA complaint #10596090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,210 milesDesoto, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LEAKING AT THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE AS WELL AS AT THE SUCTION PUMP FLANGE AROUND THE BASE OF THE QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING.
NHTSA complaint #10544829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,443 milesWoodbine, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SMELLED FUEL, REMOVED LEFT SIDE COVER, SAW TOP OF FUEL PUMP COVERED WITH GAS. IT IS LEAKING FROM THE PLASTIC QUICK DISCONNECT. ALSO SEE CRACKS IN THE FLANGE ON TOP OF FUEL PUMP. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD, CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN THAT USES TAPERED PIPE THREAD IN PLASTIC.
NHTSA complaint #10537803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,388 milesCelina, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP FLANGE CRACKED AT FUEL PUMP OUTPUT CONNECTOR AND FUEL SPRAYED OUT UNDER PRESSURE. PRESSURIZED FUEL SPRAYED ON LEG AND HIT HOT ENGINE EXHAUST. WAS ABLE TO CUT OFF ENGINE AND FUEL PUMP BEFORE A FIRE STARTED. HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE HELP ARRIVED AND TRUCKED BIKE HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10532145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesDenver, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FAULTY FUEL STRIP GAS GAUGE WILL SHOW 1/2 TANK, BUT TANK MAY BE FULL OR EMPTY, OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN. LIKEWISE, GAS GAUGE MAY SHOW FULL, BUT TANK MAY BE CLOSE TO EMPTY. THE FUEL STRIP DOES NOT CORRECTLY DISPLAY THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10525785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesApache Junction, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STOPPED AFTER RIDING TO WORK, NOTICED FUEL SMELL, LOOKED CLOSER, GAS WAS DRIPPING ON HOT EXHAUST PIPE. TURNS OUT THE FUEL LINE PLASTIC QUICK DISCONNECT THREADED BOSS ON THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED ENOUGH THAT GAS LEAKS OUT WHEN THE FUEL PUMP IS RUNNING. JUST NOW REPORTING ALTHOUGH IT FIRST HAPPENED YEARS AGO. TRIED VARIOUS REPAIRS THAT WERE ONLY TEMPORARILY EFFECTIVE BEFORE REPLACING THE ENTIRE FUEL PUMP ASSY AND REINFORCING THE BOSS WITH AN AFTERMARKET SPECIALTY CLAMP DESIGNED FOR THIS WELL KNOWN FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10523763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,454 milesOrlando, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CRACKS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE INPUT FLANGE @ FUEL PUMP AND THE RETURN FUEL FLANGE.
NHTSA complaint #10523825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesTyler, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL PUMP FITTING CRACKED WHILE I WAS RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS RESULTED IN FUEL SPRAYING ON ME AND DRIPPING ONTO THE ENGINE WHEN I STOPPED. THE FITTING AND THE FLANGE ARE BOTH MADE OF A PLASTIC MATERIAL. THE THREADS ARE NPT TYPE AND AS THE FITTING IS SCREWED INTO THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE THE FIT GETS TIGHTER. THIS DESIGN WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CRACKING. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PLASTIC FITTING WHICH I REPLACED WITH A METAL ONE. THIS WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FLANGE IS LIKELY TO CRACK BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN RESULTING IN ANOTHER FAILURE. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE CAN EASILY RESULT IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10521322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSanta Rosa, CA
WHEELS
UPON INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THAT EACH OF FIVE WHEEL MOUNTING TABS ON THE REAR WHEEL FLANGE IS CRACKED. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED IN NUMEROUS OTHER BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLES, IN SOME CASES LEADING TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10508423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesDavis, WV
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED MAINTENANCE WHEN THEY NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL FINAL DRIVE WAS SEVERELY WORN. THE PART WAS ORDERED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LATER REPAIRED. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED DURING THE REPAIR DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE OIL LEAK FROM THE REAR WHEEL. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS ALSO DAMAGED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 06/10/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FINAL DRIVE SEAL BLEW WHILE DRIVING. THE REAR TIRE WAS COVERED IN OIL. IN ADDITION, THE REAR BRAKE PAD HAD TO BE REPLACE DUE TO OIL DAMAGE. WHILE REPAIRING THE FINAL DRIVE. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOTCHY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10505324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,500 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DURING SERVICE, TECH NOTICED A CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. BIKE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF FUEL LEAK AND FIRE HAZARD. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE OR SEVERE BURNS. RECOMMEND RECALL ON THIS PART. *TR THE ISSUE IS SO WELL KNOWN, ONLINE PARTS STORES ARE SELLING A PARTS FIX. REQUEST REASON WHY RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED.
NHTSA complaint #10498314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,988 milesSanta Rosa, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER FILLING UP ON FUEL AND DRIVING HOME (LESS THAN FIVE MILES), I PARKED THE MOTORCYCLE. LATER IN THE DAY, I NOTICED FUEL ON THE ASPHALT BENEATH THE BIKE AND LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP, DOWN ONTO THE ENGINE, LEFT EXHAUST PIPE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE FRAME. FURTHER INSPECTING, I FOUND FUEL POOLED ATOP THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. MOPPING UP THE FUEL, I IDENTIFIED A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE UPPER PLASTIC HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL PUMP ELECTRONICS AND FUEL LINE CONNECTION. THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONICS UNIT WAS DAMAGED BY EXPOSURE TO THE FUEL, CAUSING SILICON INSULATION TO CRUMBLE AND FALL AWAY. (EVIDENCE THAT THE LEAK HAD EXISTED FOR SOME TIME, BUT ONLY CAME TO MY ATTENTION AFTER THIS PARTICULAR FILL-UP.) REPLACEMENT PARTS ESTIMATE FROM BMW: $680.34 (INCLUDING TAX, BUT EXCLUDING INSTALLATION.)
NHTSA complaint #10488899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,988 milesSanta Rosa, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER FILLING UP ON FUEL AND DRIVING HOME (LESS THAN FIVE MILES), I PARKED THE MOTORCYCLE. LATER IN THE DAY, I NOTICED FUEL ON THE ASPHALT BENEATH THE BIKE AND LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP, DOWN ONTO THE ENGINE, LEFT EXHAUST PIPE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE FRAME. FURTHER INSPECTING, I FOUND FUEL POOLED ATOP THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. MOPPING UP THE FUEL, I IDENTIFIED A HAIRLINE CRACK IN THE UPPER PLASTIC HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL PUMP ELECTRONICS AND FUEL LINE CONNECTION. THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONICS UNIT WAS DAMAGED BY EXPOSURE TO THE FUEL, CAUSING SILICON INSULATION TO CRUMBLE AND FALL AWAY. (EVIDENCE THAT THE LEAK HAD EXISTED FOR SOME TIME, BUT ONLY CAME TO MY ATTENTION AFTER THIS PARTICULAR FILL-UP.) REPLACEMENT PARTS ESTIMATE FROM BMW: $680.34 (INCLUDING TAX, BUT EXCLUDING INSTALLATION.)
NHTSA complaint #10488899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palo Alto, CA
STRUCTURE
DISCOVERED 12/9/2012. EXTENT OF CRACKING INDICATES THAT THE ISSUE LIKELY BEGAN A NUMBER OF YEARS EARLIER. MY FUEL TANK HAS PLASTIC QUICK DISCONNECT FITTINGS ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. NUMEROUS (8-12) SMALL RADIAL CRACKS HAVE APPEARED IN EACH OF THE QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGES, EXTENDING IN SEVERAL CASES DOWN TO THE TOP OF THE TANK. CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE CRACKS INTO THE THREADED AREA HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKS ON OTHER BIKES WITH THIS SAME CONFIGURATION (BUT NOT YET ON MY BIKE). BELIEF IS THAT THE COMPOSITE QUICK DISCONNECT EXPANDS DURING PRESSURE CYCLING AND IMPARTS A RADIAL LOAD TO THE PUMP HOUSING QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGE. OVER TIME, THIS PRESSURE CYCLING CAUSES CRACKS TO APPEAR IN THE REINFORCEMENT FLANGE WHICH EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS. SEE ODI 10428629 AND CASE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10487986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palo Alto, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DISCOVERED 12/9/2012. EXTENT OF CRACKING INDICATES THAT THE ISSUE LIKELY BEGAN A NUMBER OF YEARS EARLIER. MY FUEL TANK HAS PLASTIC QUICK DISCONNECT FITTINGS ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. NUMEROUS (8-12) SMALL RADIAL CRACKS HAVE APPEARED IN EACH OF THE QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGES, EXTENDING IN SEVERAL CASES DOWN TO THE TOP OF THE TANK. CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE CRACKS INTO THE THREADED AREA HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKS ON OTHER BIKES WITH THIS SAME CONFIGURATION (BUT NOT YET ON MY BIKE). BELIEF IS THAT THE COMPOSITE QUICK DISCONNECT EXPANDS DURING PRESSURE CYCLING AND IMPARTS A RADIAL LOAD TO THE PUMP HOUSING QUICK DISCONNECT REINFORCEMENT FLANGE. OVER TIME, THIS PRESSURE CYCLING CAUSES CRACKS TO APPEAR IN THE REINFORCEMENT FLANGE WHICH EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS. SEE ODI 10428629 AND CASE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10487986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesBoca Raton, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL STARTED LEAKING FROM TOP OF GAS TANK , LEAKING FROM CRACKS IN FLANGE CONNECTION VERY UNSAFE FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10485807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesLocke, NY
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW R1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY DETECTED THAT THE DRIVE-LINE SEAL WAS LEAKING INTERNALLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A CONCURRENT INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: DP12001 (POWER TRAIN:DRIVE LINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 10/24/12*LJ UPDATED 10/25/12
NHTSA complaint #10477315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.